1936 Albany New York Charter Commemorative Half Dollar
Base
About This Coin
The 1936 Albany New York Charter Commemorative Half Dollar is a United States commemorative half dollar. Struck in 1936 to mark the 250th anniversary of the granting of Albany's city charter by Governor Thomas Dongan in 1686. Albany is one of the oldest surviving settlements from the original Thirteen Colonies and served as a major hub for the fur trade in colonial America. The obverse features a beaver gnawing on a maple branch, representing the fur trade that was central to Albany's founding and early economy, while the reverse displays Governor Thomas Dongan, Mayor Pieter Schuyler, and Robert Livingston standing together, representing the granting of Albany's city charter in 1686. Designed by Gertrude K. Lathrop. Struck in 90% silver, 10% copper, weighing 12.5 grams, 30.6 mm in diameter, with a reeded edge. With a mintage of 17,671, the Albany Charter Half Dollar is a scarce one-year issue. The beaver obverse by sculptor Gertrude K. Lathrop is praised for its naturalistic detail and is considered one of the finest animal designs in the commemorative series.